James Nelson was born at Lismoney, Cookstown, County Tyrone. He was a member of Tamlaghtmore Flute Band and a member of Lissan Company of Ulster Volunteers. He enlisted in Cookstown, joining the 9th Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers. James Nelson was at Randalstown with his bothers, Thomas and William, training with their battalion when he fell ill with a severe throat infection. He died form sceptic poisoning on 24th March 1915.

Ballygoney Presbyterian Churchyard is located near Drummullan. James Nelson is the only Commonwealth burial of the wars here.